Mohammad Sarwar Alam, an assistant programmer at Bangabhaban, has categorically denied involvement in the hacking of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman’s X account, telling a court on Thursday that the alleged criminal acts were “not done by my hands.”
Appearing before the court of Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Junaid, Sarwar Alam maintained his absolute innocence.
Following a hearing where defence lawyer Alamgir Hossain sought bail and plaintiff’s counsel Abdur Razzak opposed it, the court granted bail approximately one hour after reserving the order.
During his statement, Sarwar Alam emphasised his long-standing career and impending retirement. “I am speaking consciously; I am due to retire in a few days. During this time, these things were not done by my hands,” he stated.
He further remarked that he had never even imagined committing such acts and had fully cooperated with the authorities. “I have given everything to the police for investigation. Let them investigate and see if they find anything. I claim to be 100 per cent innocent,” he added.
Allegations of Incitement The prosecution presented a different narrative, with lawyer Abdur Razzak labelling the accused as a “ghost of the autocratic government.” He argued that the hacking was a deliberate attempt to create national disorder and provoke the country’s large female voter base by posting offensive content in the Ameer’s name.
The plaintiff’s side also expressed frustration that the investigating officer had not sought a remand for questioning, noting that such measures are common even for minor thefts. The state prosecutor (PP) requested the court to send Sarwar to jail, suggesting that a remand could be requested later following further investigation.
The case was filed on Wednesday at Hatirjheel Police Station under the Cyber Security Act by Md Sirajul Islam, a member of Jamaat-e-Islami’s election management committee. The charges allege that on 31 January at approximately 5pm, Sarwar Alam and 15 to 20 unidentified accomplices hacked Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The hackers reportedly posted “objectionable” content aimed at spreading misogyny, obscenity, ethnic violence, and hatred to incite riots. The account was recovered shortly after the incident.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Sarwar’s wife, Shamim Ara, reiterated that her husband is non-political and has served the government with honour for 32 years.
She questioned the logic of the accusations, stating, “It is understandable even to a child – would a hacker use their own address to hack?” She further argued that her husband would not “hit his own foot with an axe” by risking his career and reputation so close to his retirement.
